$3M Goes To Bay Shore, Brentwood, Central Islip After-School Programs

WEST ISLIP, NY — New York State has awarded $3 million in grant funding to support after-school programs in the Bay Shore, Brentwood, and Central Islip Union Free School Districts.

According to Sen. Monica R. Martinez, West Islip Youth Enrichment Services, Inc. was awarded the funding as part of New York State’s Learning and Enrichment After-School Program Supports initiative, which supports new or ongoing after-school programs for children in high-need areas.

The grants—which account for more than a third of the $8.92 million allocated to the Long Island region—will provide critical after-school services to students in the Bay Shore, Brentwood, and Central Islip Union Free School Districts, Martinez said in a statement.

The Central Islip program will receive $1 million, Bay Shore will be allocated $1.1 million, and Brentwood will receive $900,000 to support educational enrichment and social-emotional development for local students.

"After-school programs give students a space to keep growing, explore their interests, and connect with others outside the classroom," Martinez said in the statement. "These investments ensure children in our community have the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally."

According to Martinez's office, the program aims to provide safe and supportive after-school environments, help students build confidence, improve relationships, and develop critical life skills that will serve them in the future. Programs eligible for the grants must be licensed or seeking to become licensed as school-age childcare providers and serve children in high-need school districts.